Mahbubul Alam Hanif, a senior Joint General Secretary of the Awami League and former Member of Parliament for Kushtia-3, is currently under investigation for multiple allegations of corruption and misconduct. In March 2025, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) imposed a travel ban on Hanif, his wife Fouzia Alam, his sons Fahim Afsar Alam and Farhan Sadik Alam, and his daughter Tanisha Alam. The travel restriction order was issued by the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court.

Once upon a time, Hanif struggled financially and used to follow around the then chairman of Kushtia Municipality and district Awami League leader Anwar Ali, hoping to enter politics. He was in such a poor financial state that he couldn’t even pay rent for his office at City Heart in Nayapaltan, Dhaka.

However, over the last 15 years, Hanif used his position in the Awami League and his close connections with the Sheikh family to build a powerful and illegal money-making network. Besides holding a top position in the party, he was also an unofficial business partner of the ruling family. Using this influence, he grabbed government tenders and expanded his business empire across the country. Over three consecutive Awami League governments, Hanif became a key power broker, amassing huge wealth.

Investigations have revealed that he owns properties and businesses not only in Dhaka and Kushtia but also in at least four other districts in Bangladesh, as well as in countries like Canada.

Allegations:

• Extortion and Tender Manipulation: Hanif is accused of illegally collecting money and manipulating tenders related to sand extraction from the Padma and Gorai rivers.
• Corruption in Recruitment and Leasing: He was involved in irregularities in government hiring and leasing of public markets and haats (rural markets).
• Embezzlement of Development Funds: He allegedly embezzled funds from projects like TR (Test Relief) and Kabikha (Food for Work) and laundered the money abroad.
• Illegal Wealth: Hanif and his family are believed to have accumulated a vast amount of undisclosed wealth both inside and outside Bangladesh.

Additionally, his wife is accused of establishing a private university using suspicious funds. Authorities fear that the accused may flee the country, which would hinder the investigation process. After Sheikh Hasina left the country, reports say that Hanif illegally crossed into India and is now in hiding.